Dear Editor
FORMER Attorney General Anil Nandlall seems to have a penchant for the sensational.
Despite being charged criminally for allegedly stealing law books belonging to the State, Mr Nandlall has nevertheless not lost his voice and his propensity, almost on a daily basis, to write letters accusing the current government of a string of mis-strides and political atrocities.

So it was no surprise when the police department this week lashed down his allegations that more than 200 persons are on an official travel blacklist at the Cheddi Jagan airport and other ports of entry and exit. Mr Nandlall had been able to gain some media traction with his allegation, but the police must be commended for responding quickly and pellucidly in clearing the air on a matter that would have already been causing discomfort and disquiet among the citizenry.

In the end, the police said that there are just about 140 persons on a list of people who should not be allowed to travel because authorities have more than a passing interest in them. This is a case of egg on the face of Mr Nandlall and the PPP, the political party he represents and clearly wants to lead one day in the future. Friends called me from overseas asking for help in determining the veracity of the alleged 200 on a blacklist, such was the unease that his statements had caused. So all I have to do now is refer them to the police’s statement and the line by commissioner that the allegation “is a total fabrication.” The Government’s PR messengers must be quick to respond to such allegations and acts of political mischief, as fake news of this kind could cause pain and hurt to the citizenry.

Regards
Peter Joseph